The Catholic Morning Show

Christ Our Life Conference 2026: Meet the Speakers – Ellen Miller & Marilyn Lane – 07/06/2026

Episode Summary

Christ Our Life Conference co-founders Ellen Miller and Marilyn Lane join The Catholic Morning Show to preview this year's "Searching Souls" gathering in Des Moines. They break down the star-studded speaker lineup, share the conference's origin story, and explain why thousands return to Wells Fargo Arena every two years. It's a can't-miss look at one of the Midwest's largest Catholic events.

Episode Notes

Ellen Miller and Marilyn Lane, co-founders and co-chairs of the Christ Our Life Conference, return to the show to preview this year's event: "Searching Souls," happening September 26–27, 2026 at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines.

This year's lineup includes:

• Bishop William Joensen (Diocese of Des Moines)
• Bishop Manuel Espaillat — the Bronx's "rapper priest," now one of the youngest bishops in the U.S.
• Fr. Robert Spitzer, host of Father Spitzer's Universe, sharing research from over 1,500 near-death experiences
• Fr. David Michael Moses
• Chris Stefanick of Real Life Catholic
• Crystalina Evert, founder of Women Made New
• Gabe Castillo
• Charbel Reish, whose faith journey included years of influence from Muslim friends before returning to the Catholic Church
• Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow, founder of Mary's Meals
• Steve Angrisano
• John Leonetti returns as emcee

Ellen and Marilyn also share how the conference began in 2008 with a shared prayer prompting, and why they believe this year's theme, "Searching Souls," speaks to anyone on the fence about attending.

Event details:

• 📅 September 26–27, 2026
• 📍 Wells Fargo Arena, Des Moines, IA
• 🎟️ $30 weekend pass for adults; FREE for ages 23 and under (in-person or livestream)
• A high school and college breakout track returns for its second year
• Full schedule and tickets: https://christourlifeiowa.com/

Listen to The Catholic Morning Show weekdays at 7 a.m. Central on the Iowa Catholic Radio Network, IowaCatholicRadio.com, or the Iowa Catholic Radio app.

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